• At least 200 confirmed dead in Nigeria's worst floods in 60 years.
• More than 500 individuals are reported missing in the aftermath.
• Inadequate drainage and climate change cited as contributing factors.
• Local authorities criticize government response to the disaster.
• Rescue operations have concluded despite ongoing recovery efforts.

Flash flooding in the town of Mokwa, located in north-central Nigeria, has resulted in a death toll surpassing 200 people after torrential rains struck last week. The Niger state humanitarian commissioner confirmed that over 250 homes were destroyed, leaving many residents homeless and leading to fears that the number of victims could rise significantly as recovery efforts continue, especially with over 500 people still unaccounted for, according to Dawn and Africanews.

The floods, which occurred after heavy overnight rains, have been described as the worst in living memory, causing significant destruction to Mokwa, a hub for agricultural trade. Officials stated that the flooding was exacerbated by inadequate drainage systems and blocked culverts, resulting in water accumulation behind clay walls that ultimately gave way, as highlighted by reports from India Times and Dawn.

Climate change has intensified the severity and frequency of such weather events in Nigeria, with experts citing its role in making these conditions more extreme. Local sources noted that human factors, including poor urban planning and the dumping of waste in drainage systems, have further contributed to the flooding crisis, according to Africanews and India Times.

Despite the scale of the disaster, many residents criticized the government’s disaster response, claiming a lack of adequate support and relief supplies in the wake of the tragedy. Local leaders echoed these sentiments, urging for a more robust emergency response as recovery efforts lag behind, as reported by India Times and Africanews.